Intelligent Routing of Network Packets on Telecommunication Devices

ABSTRACT

A telecommunication device configured to select one of a plurality of network connectivities of the telecommunication device to use for transmission of a network packet is described herein. The telecommunication device may select the network connectivity based on user routing criteria, connectivity metrics, or transmission times. The user routing criteria may be dynamically updated during a communication or connection, affecting selection of the network connectivity for further network packets. The network connectivities may be respectively associated with different network operators. Also, the telecommunication device may select a first network connectivity for transmitting a first network packet and a second network connectivity for transmitting a second network packet. Further, the telecommunication device may select a first network connectivity for uplink communications and a second network connectivity for downlink communications.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a divisional application of co-pending, commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/732,111, filed Dec. 31, 2012. Application Ser. No. 13/732,111 is fully incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Telecommunication devices have evolved from mobile replacements for the telephone to all-in-one communication, media, and productivity solutions. In addition to voice calling, telecommunication devices now support video and song playback, calendaring, and a variety of features requiring communication over a packet-based network. Such features include web browsing, video streaming, video chat, and many others. To support such packet-based communications, network operators have enhanced their circuit-based telecommunication network offerings by building and offering packet-based telecommunication networks, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Evolved High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA+) networks. In addition to packet-based telecommunication network services, telecommunication devices are now also typically equipped to engage in packet-based communications through wireless data networks, such as WiFi networks, WiMax networks, or Bluetooth networks, or through infrared technology.

With the rapid spread of wireless data networks and packet-based telecommunication networks, telecommunication devices typically have multiple network connectivities to select from. For example, a telecommunication device could download an audio file via a packet-based telecommunication network offered by the network operator tethered to that telecommunication device or via a WiFi network. Typically, selection of a network connectivity is made based on a universal preference (e.g., always use WiFi when available). Such selection techniques often provide suboptimal results, however, and do not take full advantage of the continuously improving packet-based communication infrastructure available to telecommunication devices. Further, each network operator has advantages and disadvantages; some may offer great coverage, but at a high price, while others may offer suboptimal coverage at a lower price. Also, a given network operator may have better coverage in some locations than in others. Telecommunication devices are not able to take advantage of these varying benefits, however, as they are tethered to a single network operator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items or features.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example telecommunication device routing module for intelligently selecting network connectivities to use for transmission of network packets.

FIG. 2 illustrates a plurality of packet-based networks supporting various packet routing scenarios.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example telecommunication device configured with a routing module and user routing criteria for selecting network connectivities to use for transmission of network packets.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example process for selecting one network connectivity from a plurality of network connectivities respectively associated with different network operators and for using the selected network connectivity to transmit a network packet.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example process for receiving network packets associated with a logical connection, transmitting a first of the network packets using a first network connectivity, and transmitting a second of the network packets using a second network connectivity.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example process for selecting one network connectivity from a plurality of network connectivities based on network latencies associated with the network connectivities and for using the selected network connectivity to transmit a network packet.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example process for selecting a first network connectivity for uplink communications and selecting a second network connectivity for downlink communications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure describes, in part, a telecommunications device configured to select, for each network packet to be sent, a network connectivity of the telecommunication device. A network connectivity, as the term is used herein, is a network that is available for connection to the telecommunication device. The telecommunication device utilizes metrics associated with each network connectivity, the metrics varying based on location, network type, and network operator, to select the network connectivity that is to be used to send the network packet. The connectivity metrics are evaluated based on user routing criteria and, optionally, attributes of the network packet to be sent. The use of these criteria, metrics, and attributes enables the telecommunication device to select an “optimal” network connectivity for each network packet. “Optimal” may be defined based on the degree to which connectivity metrics meet the user routing criteria given specific network packet attributes (or, if attributes are not used/available, given default network packet attributes). The user routing criteria may be dynamically updated, responsive either to changes by a user, by a service, or by a network operator. This technique for network connectivity selection based on user routing criteria, connectivity metrics, and packet network attributes, any of which may change from packet to packet, supports a wide variety of routing scenarios.

In a first routing scenario, the telecommunication device may have multiple network connectivities respectively associated with multiple, different network operators. In such a scenario, the user of the telecommunication device may not be tethered to a service plan of any specific network operator, or may be subject to a non-exclusive service plan. The telecommunication device may utilize a user routing criterion, such as “use lowest cost” or “best performance” and evaluate the connectivity metrics associated with the network connectivities in selecting a network connectivity. For example, a first network connectivity associated with a first network operator may have a lower cost than a second network connectivity associated with a second network operator. If the user routing criteria is “use lowest cost,” the telecommunication device may select the first network connectivity.

As mentioned, user routing criteria may be dynamically updated, and connectivity metrics and network packet attributes vary. In a second scenario, packets associated with a single logical connection (e.g., a video call) may be transmitted first over one network connectivity and then another based on updated criteria or varying metrics/attributes without interruption to the logical connection. For example, the attributes of the network packets and connectivity metrics may stay largely the same, but the user may update preferences, causing automatic updating of user routing criteria. The user may update such preferences, for instance, because of suboptimal quality of experience. In this example, the update may result in user routing criteria that require a higher quality of service (QoS). This higher QoS may, in turn, result in the telecommunication device selecting a second network connectivity in place of a previously used, first network connectivity.

In a third routing scenario, different network connectivities may be associated with different network topologies. These different network topologies may result in significantly different network latencies. For example, a telecommunication device may have a first network connectivity associated with a WiFi network and a second network connectivity associated with an LTE network. The destination of the network packet to be transmitted may be geographically proximate to the telecommunication device, and the network topology of the LTE network may require all network traffic to be sent to a node of the LTE network's operator a significant distance from the telecommunication device. When using the LTE network, then, this far distance must be traversed twice to send the network packet to its destination. When using the WiFi network, only a short distance need be traversed. To detect such differences in network topologies, the telecommunication device may send messages to the destination using each of the network connectivities, receive responses, and calculate round trip times. These round trip times may then be evaluated in light of the user routing criteria to select a network connectivity.

Additionally, in a fourth scenario, the telecommunication device may select different network connectivities for uplink communications and downlink communications. As used herein, the term “downlink” refers to communications from one of the networks to the telecommunication device, and the term “uplink” refers to communications from the telecommunication devices to one or more of the networks.

Example Routing Module

FIG. 1 illustrates an example telecommunication device routing module for intelligently selecting network connectivities to use for transmission of network packets. As illustrated, a telecommunications device 102 may be configured with a packet routing module 104 to route network packets 106 a-106 c from telecommunication device applications 108 a-108 c. To transmit at least one of the network packets 106 a-106 c, the packet routing module 104 selects a network connectivity 110 of a plurality of network connectivities 110 x-110 z respectively associated with a plurality of networks 112 x-112 z. A network selection module 114 of the packet routing module 104 selects the network connectivity 110 based on an evaluation of user routing criteria 116, connectivity metrics 118 associated with the network connectivities 110 x-110 z, and network packet attributes 120 associated with the network packet(s) 106 that is/are to be transmitted. After selecting the network connectivity 110, a transmission module 122 of the packet routing module 104 then utilizes the selected network connectivity 110 to transmit the network packet(s) 106.

In various embodiments, the telecommunications device 102 may be any sort of device capable of engaging in packet-based connections and of having multiple wireless network connectivities, such as network connectivities 110 x-110 z. For example the telecommunications device 102 may be any of a smart phone, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal computer (PC), a laptop computer, a media center, a work station, etc. An example telecommunications device 102 is illustrated in FIG. 3 and described below with reference to that figure.

In some embodiments, the packet routing module 104 receives the network packets 106 a-106 c from the applications 108 a-108 c and stores the network packets 106 a-106 c in a queue or stack associated with the packet routing module 104. The network packets 106 a-106 c may be any sort of Internet Protocol (IP) packets or other sort of network packets. The applications 108 a-108 c may be any sort of telecommunication device applications which send and receive network packets. For example, the application 108 a may be a web browser and network packet 106 a may be a request for web content. Application 108 b may be a video call client and network packet 106 b may be a packet associated with a video call. Application 108 c may be client for a multi-player online game and network packet 106 c may be a packet associated with a game-play session. These examples are provided only for the sake of illustration; applications 108 a-108 c may be or include many other different types of applications.

Upon storing the network packets 106 a-106 c in the queue or stack (or as they are stored), the packet routing module 104 may collect network packet attributes 120 of the network packets 106 a-106 c and perform quality of service (QoS) marking of the network packets 106 a-106 c. The collected network packet attributes 120 may include any of the network protocols of the network packets 106 a-106 c, such as the transmission control protocol (TCP), the user datagram protocol (UDP), or the real-time transport protocol (RTP), QoS profiles, packet size, destination address, bandwidth demand, class of services, or security level.

In various embodiments, before, during, and after receiving the network packets 106 a-106 c (e.g., on a substantially continuous basis), the packet routing module 104 determines the network connectivities 110 x-110 z available to the telecommunication device 102 as well as connectivity metrics 118 for those network connectivities 110 x-110 z. The network connectivities 110 x-110 z may be connectivities to a variety of different packet-based networks 112 x-112 z, such as WiFi networks, LTE network, or HSPA+ networks. The available network connectivities 112 x-112 z may change based on movement of the telecommunication device 102 to a different location or may even change at a given location based on factors such as signal strength or congestion of a network 112 x-112 z. The connectivity metrics 118 collected for each network connectivity 110 x-110 z may include:

-   -   a network protocol used for the associated network 112 x-112 z,         such as TCP, UDP, or RTP,     -   the availability of the associated network 112 x-112 z at the         current location and time,     -   performance of a transmission across the associated network 112         x-112 z (delay, jitter, packet-loss rate),     -   power consumption associated with use of the associated network         112 x-112 z,     -   a bandwidth profile for the associated network 112 x-112 z,     -   connection cost for use of the associated network 112 x-112 z,         or     -   security level.

In various embodiments, the networks 112 x-112 z may represent one packet-based access network, such as a WiFi network, an LTE network, an HSPA+ network, a Bluetooth network, or a network associated with infrared technology. If one of the networks 112 x-112 z is a packet-based cellular network, such as a LTE network or an HSPA+ network, that network 112 may include a base station transceiver, base station controller, a node B, or an eNode B. Such a network 112 may provide connectivity to a core network of a network operator. In some embodiments, each of the networks 112 x-112 z that is a packet-based cellular network may be associated with a network operator. Multiple ones of the networks 112 x-112 z may be associated with a same network operator, or each of the networks 112 x-112 z may be associated with a different network operator. Networks 112 x-112 z that are non-cellular data networks, such as WiFi networks, may include an access point device for sending and receiving wireless transmissions. These access devices may in turn be associated with an Internet service provider that provides connectivity to the Internet. In one embodiment, the network 112 x is a WiFi network and the network connectivity 110 x is a connectivity to that network 112 x. Also, the network 112 y may be an LTE network and the network connectivity 110 y may be a connectivity to that network 112 y. Further, the network 112 z may be an HSPA+ network and the network connectivity 110 z may be a connectivity to that network 112 z.

In various embodiments, the packet routing module 104 may include both a network selection module 114 and transmission module 122 to select a network connectivity 110 and to transmit network packet(s) 106 using the network connectivity 110. The network selection module 114 selects a network connectivity 110 for each received network packet 106 and may do so substantially when that network packet 106 is received or at a later time. Each selection is based on user routing criteria 116, connectivity metrics 118, and attributes 120 of the network packet 106 for which the network connectivity 110 is being selected. The connectivity metrics 118 may vary from moment to moment and from location to location, and the attributes 120 may be different for each network packet 106. Even when there is no substantial change in connectivity metrics 118 or attributes 120 between the receiving of two network packets 106, updates to the user routing criteria 116 may result in the network selection module 114 selecting different network connectivities 110.

In some embodiments, the user routing criteria 116 may be any of “best network performance” (which may be a function of factors such as packet delay, packet loss, and jitter), a specific QoS, “lowest cost”, “lowest power consumption with the minimum bandwidth”, “largest available bandwidth” given specific performance requirements such as CIR, EIR, PIR, or GBR, “best packet delivering efficiency” (e.g., by grouping/sorting network packets 106), “best overall metrics”, “most secure connection”, or some combination of these criteria. Other user routing criteria 116 may also or instead be used.

The user routing criteria 116 may be default or suggested criteria provided to/programmed on the telecommunication device 102 by a service, a network operator, or by a partner of a service or network operator. In some embodiments, such user routing criteria 116 may be associated with specific service plans offered by network operators. User routing criteria 116 may also be associated with a location or locations, and the user routing criteria 116 used may thus vary as a telecommunication device 102 moves from one location to another.

Also or instead, the user routing criteria 116 may be or include criteria automatically generated from user-provided preferences. For example, a user may enter preferences (such as “best performance” or “lowest cost”) through some sort of user interface, such as a graphic user interface (GUI), physical input control, or voice input control. The telecommunication device 102 may then translate the user-provided preferences to user routing criteria 116 based on some rules or models. In some embodiments, rather than entering the user-provided preferences through an interface or control of the telecommunication device 102, the user of the telecommunication device 102 may enter the preferences through a web site. Also, in further embodiments, the telecommunication device 102 may provide a GUI that shows costs and performance associated with different user routing criteria 116 (e.g. decrease in cost per increase in delay measured in milliseconds, or increase in throughput per increase in power consumption). Such a GUI may enable a user to express preferences that result in more satisfactory user routing criteria 116.

The user routing criteria 116 may be dynamically updated at any time. For example, a user may be unhappy with the quality of the video played on the telecommunication devices 102 and may actuate a soft key or physical button, or may provide a spoken command (e.g., “increase quality”). This new user-provided preference may be translated into an updated user routing criteria 116 (e.g., better performance or improved QoS) that is used going forward in selecting network connectivities 110 for network packets 106.

In various embodiments, the network selection module 114 determines a score for each network connectivity 110. The score may reflect the degree to which the connectivity metrics 118 for the network connectivity 110 meet the user routing criteria 116 given the attributes 120 of the network packet 106 to be transmitted. The network selection module 114 may then select the network connectivity 110 with the highest score to use in transmitting the network packet 106. In some embodiments, the network selection module 114 may bypass the user routing criteria and automatically select a specific network connectivity 110 when it is available or when certain criteria are met. The specific network connectivity 110 may provide a default routing path.

Once the network selection module 114 has selected the network connectivity 110 to use for transmitting the network packet 106, the network selection module 114 invokes the transmission module 122. The transmission module 122 may establish a connection with the network 112 associated with the selected network connectivity 110, unless one is already established, and transmit the network packet 106 to the network 112 over the connection.

Example Routing Scenarios

FIG. 2 illustrates a plurality of packet-based networks supporting various packet routing scenarios. As illustrated, the telecommunication device 102 has network connectivities associated with a WiFi network 202, an LTE network 204, an LTE network 206, and an HSPA+ network 208. The LTE network 204 is operated by a first network operator 210, and the LTE network 206 and HSPA+ network 208 are operated by a second network operator 212. The telecommunication device 102 may transmit one or more network packets to the packet destination 214 over one or more of the networks 202-208. Also, as illustrated, the telecommunication device may select one network connectivity, such as the network connectivity associated with the HSPA+ network 208, for downlink communications 216 and another network connectivity, such as the network connectivity associated with the WiFi network 202, for uplink communications 218.

In various embodiments, the networks 202-208 may be examples of the networks 112 illustrated in FIG. 1 and described herein with reference to that figure.

The first network operator 210 and second network operator 212 may be any sort of network operators, such as telecommunication service providers that operate a telecommunication infrastructure, including access networks and a core network, to provide telecommunication services such as voice calling, video calling, messaging, email, and data (e.g., streaming video and audio or web browsing). The first and second network operator 210 and 212 may offer these services as part of service plans subscribed to by telecommunication device users or may allow the services to be purchased incrementally (e.g., per packet, per communication, per connection, etc.).

The packet destination 214 may be any sort of device or devices identifiable by a network address. Such a device or devices may include another telecommunication device, a server, a network or cloud, or any sort of computing device. The network address of the packet destination 214 is specified by the network packet that is to be transmitted to the packet destination 214.

In a first routing scenario, the telecommunication device 102 has multiple network connectivities respectively associated with multiple, different network operators, including the first network operator 210 and the second network operator 212. In such a scenario, the user of the telecommunication device may not be tethered to a service plan of any specific network operator, or may be subject to a non-exclusive service plan. The telecommunication device 102 may utilize a user routing criteria, such as “use lowest cost” or “best performance” and evaluate the connectivity metrics associated with the network connectivities in selecting a network connectivity. For example, a first network connectivity associated with an LTE network 204 operated by the first network operator 210 may have a lower cost than a second network connectivity associated with an LTE network 206 operated by the second network operator 212. If the user routing criteria is “use lowest cost,” the telecommunication device 102 may select the first network connectivity associated with the LTE network 204, establish a connection to the LTE network 204 (or use an established connection) and transmit a network packet to the packet destination 214 over the LTE network 204. After transmitting the network packet, there may be a change to the user routing criteria, connectivity metrics, or packet attributes. For example, the second network operator may lower its cost, and that lower cost may be reflected in updated connectivity metrics. If the user routing criteria is still “use lowest cost” the telecommunication device 102 may then select the second network connectivity associated with the LTE network 206 for transmission of further network packets.

In a second scenario, network packets associated with a single logical connection (e.g., a video call) may be transmitted first over one network (e.g., LTE network 206) and then another (e.g., HSPA+ network 208) based on updated criteria or varying metrics/attributes, without interruption to the logical connection. For example, the attributes of the network packets and connectivity metrics may stay largely the same, but the user may update preferences, causing automatic updating of user routing criteria. The user may update such preferences, for instance, because of suboptimal quality of experience. In this example, the update may result in user routing criteria that require a higher quality of service (QoS). This higher QoS may, in turn, result in the telecommunication device 102 selecting a second network (e.g., HSPA+ network 208) in place of a previously used, first network (e.g., LTE network 206).

In a third routing scenario, different networks 202-208 may be associated with different network topologies. These different network topologies may result in significantly different network latencies. For example, a telecommunication device 102 may have a first network connectivity associated with a WiFi network 202 and a second network connectivity associated with an LTE network 204. The packet destination 214 may be geographically proximate to the telecommunication device 102, and the network topology of the LTE network 204 may require all network traffic to be sent to a node of the first network operator 210 a significant distance from the telecommunication device 102. When using the LTE network 204, then, this far distance must be traversed twice to send the network packet to its destination 214. When using the WiFi network 202, only a short distance need be traversed. To detect such differences in network topologies, the telecommunication device 102 may send messages to the destination 214 using each of the networks 202 and 204, receive responses, and calculate round trip times. This may be performed by the telecommunication device 102, for example, using a ping utility. These round trip times may then be evaluated in light of the user routing criteria to select a network connectivity. If the user routing criteria is “select lowest network latency,” the telecommunication device 102 may select the WiFi network 202.

In some embodiments, the calculation of network latencies need not be repeated for each packet; rather, the telecommunication device 102 need only calculate the network latencies once for a logical connection, a session, a flow, or for packets associated with a same destination 214 that are transmitted within a time window of each other.

In a fourth scenario, the telecommunication device 102 may select different network connectivities for uplink communications and downlink communications. For example the telecommunication device 102 may select a network connectivity associated with the HSPA+ network 208 for downlink communications 216 and a network connectivity associated with the WiFi network 202 for uplink communications 218. The telecommunication device 102 may then transmit network packets using the WiFi network 202 and receive network packets using the HSPA+ network 208.

In a fifth routing scenario, telecommunication device 102 may sort or combine for transmission multiple network packets to better achieve the user routing criteria. This may involve grouping network packets by size, destination, or QoS profile and transmitting the grouped networked packets using a same one of the networks 202-208 or concurrently over multiple ones of the networks 202-208. Also or instead, the sorting may involve prioritizing some network packets and delaying others.

In a sixth routing scenario, the telecommunication device 102 may utilize “maximum throughput” as the user routing criteria and may, as a result, select all available network connectivities for transmission of packets to the packet destination 214. In such a scenario, the telecommunication device 102 may connect to each of the networks 202-208 and may simultaneously transmit packets over all of the networks 202-208.

The above scenarios are described for the sake of illustration and do not limit the routing scenarios possible given the packet routing techniques described herein.

Example Telecommunication Device

FIG. 3 illustrates an example telecommunication device configured with a routing module and user routing criteria for selecting network connectivities to use for transmission of network packets. As illustrated, telecommunication device 102 comprises a system memory 302 storing a packet routing module 104, user routing criteria 116, a preference interface 304, packet queues 306, and applications 108. Also, the telecommunication device 102 includes processor(s) 308, a removable storage 310 and non-removable storage 312, input device(s) 314, output device(s) 316, transceivers 318, and, optionally, an open subscriber identity module (SIM) 320.

In various embodiments, system memory 302 is volatile (such as RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.) or some combination of the two. The packet routing module 104, user routing criteria 116, a preference interface 304, packet queues 306, and applications 108 stored in the system memory 302 may comprise methods, threads, processes, applications or any other sort of executable instructions. The packet routing module 104, user routing criteria 116, a preference interface 304, packet queues 306, and applications 108 may also include files and databases. Further description of the packet routing module 104, user routing criteria 116, and applications 108 is provided above.

In further embodiments, the preference interface 304 may be any sort of GUI, physical control, or voice control through which a user may enter preferences used to generate or update user routing criteria 116. Such preference interfaces 304 are described in further detail herein when describing the user routing criteria 116.

In various embodiments, the packet queues 306 may include one or more queues or stacks associated with the packet routing module 104. Such packet queues 306 may be used to store the network packets 106 pending selection of a network connectivity 110 for each network packet 106. Packet queues 306 may also include queues or stacks associated with wireless transceivers 318 or with network protocols used in transmitting the network packets 306 to network(s) 112.

In some embodiments, the processor(s) 308 is a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both CPU and GPU, or other processing unit or component known in the art.

Telecommunication device 102 also includes additional data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 3 by removable storage 310 and non-removable storage 312. Tangible computer-readable media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. System memory 302, removable storage 310 and non-removable storage 312 are all examples of computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the telecommunication device 102. Any such tangible computer-readable media may be part of the telecommunication device 102.

Telecommunication device 102 also has input device(s) 314, such as a keypad, a cursor control, a touch-sensitive display, voice input device, etc., and output device(s) 316 such as a display, speakers, etc. These devices are well known in the art and need not be discussed at length here.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the telecommunication device 102 also includes one or more wireless transceivers 318, such as a wireless transceiver for each network connectivity or a wireless transceiver capable of communicating with multiple networks. The telecommunication device 102 may also have a single wireless transceiver 318 with multiple soft radios, such as a soft radio for each network connectivity 110. To increase throughput, the wireless transceivers 318 may utilize multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) technology. The wireless transceivers 318 may be any sort of wireless transceivers capable of engaging in wireless, radio frequency (RF) communication. The wireless transceivers 318 may also include other wireless modems, such as a modem for engaging in WiFi, WiMax, Bluetooth, or infrared communication.

Open SIM 320 may be an optional SIM that is not tethered to any specific network operator. Typically, a SIM is tethered to a specific network operator, providing information (e.g., authentication information) to its network operator that utilizes in enabling services and connectivity for the telecommunication device that includes the SIM. The open SIM 320 provides similar information to any network operator or to a specific subset of network operators, enabling the telecommunication device 102 to switch between different network connectivities 110 of different network operators. In other embodiments, no open SIM 320 is needed to switch between different network connectivities 110 of different network operators.

Example Processes

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate example processes. These processes are illustrated as logical flow graphs, each operation of which represents a sequence of operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the context of software, the operations represent computer-executable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable storage media that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the recited operations. Generally, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types. The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described operations can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement the processes.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example process for selecting one network connectivity from a plurality of network connectivities respectively associated with different network operators and for using the selected network connectivity to transmit a network packet. The process includes, at 402, receiving, by a telecommunication device, a network packet from an application of the telecommunication device.

At 404, the telecommunication device selects a network connectivity from a plurality of network connectivities based at least in part on user routing criteria and connectivity metrics. The plurality of network connectivities may be respectively associated with a plurality of network operators, and the user of the telecommunication device may or may not subscribe to service plans associated with the network operators. At 404 a, the selecting further comprises determining a score for each network connectivity by applying the user routing criteria to the connectivity metrics associated with that network connectivity. In some embodiments, determining the score further comprises applying the user routing criteria to attributes of the network packet.

At 406, the telecommunication device transmits the network packet using the selected network connectivity.

At 408, the user routing criteria, connectivity metrics, network packet attributes, or telecommunication device location may be updated, and, at 410, the telecommunication device may subsequently receive a second network packet.

Based on the update, the telecommunication device may, at 412, select a different one of the network connectivities than selected at 404. The different one of the network connectivities may be associated with a different one of the network operators. At 412 a, the selecting includes determining a score for each network connectivity by applying the user routing criteria to the connectivity metrics associated with that network connectivity. In some embodiments, determining the score further comprises applying the user routing criteria to attributes of the second network packet.

At 414, the telecommunication device transmits the second network packet using the selected, different network connectivity.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example process for receiving network packets associated with a logical connection, transmitting a first of the network packets using a first network connectivity, and transmitting a second of the network packets using a second network connectivity. The process includes, at 502, receiving or generating user routing criteria. The user routing criteria may be default user routing criteria, may be suggested user routing criteria received from a service or network operator, may be automatically generated by the telecommunication device based on user-provided preferences, or may be specific to a location.

At 504, the telecommunication device may receive a plurality of network packets from a telecommunication device application, the packets associated with a logical connection.

At 506, the telecommunication device may select a first network connectivity from a plurality of network connectivities of the telecommunication device based at least in part on the user routing criteria and on connectivity metrics. The user routing criteria may include a network performance, a QoS, a cost, a power consumption at a lowest bandwidth, an available bandwidth given specific performance requirements, a packet delivering efficiency, or security level, a user preference for an operator, or a combination of criteria (such as a combination of any of the previously mentioned user routing criteria). The connectivity metrics may include a network protocol, a network availability, a network performance, a QoS, a power consumption, a network bandwidth profile, a cost, or a security level. Also, the first network connectivity may be one of a WiFi network connectivity, a LTE network connectivity, a HSPA+ network connectivity, a Bluetooth network connectivity, or an infrared network connectivity. In some embodiments, the first network connectivity may be selected based at least in part on attributes of the first network packet. Such attributes may include a network protocol, a QoS profile, a packet size, a destination address, a bandwidth demand, a service class, or a security level.

At 508, the telecommunication device may transmit a first of the network packets using the first network connectivity.

At 510, the user routing criteria, connectivity metrics, network packet attributes, or telecommunication device location may be dynamically updated after transmitting the first network packet but before transmitting others of the network packets.

After the update, at 512, the telecommunication device may select a second network connectivity from the plurality of network connectivities of the telecommunication device based at least in part on the user routing criteria and on connectivity metrics. The second network connectivity may be one of a WiFi network connectivity, a LTE network connectivity, a HSPA+ network connectivity, a Bluetooth network connectivity, or an infrared network connectivity. The first and second network connectivities may be different network connectivities and may or may not be associated with a same network operator. In some embodiments, the second network connectivity may be selected based at least in part on attributes of the second network packet. Such attributes may include a network protocol, a QoS profile, a packet size, a destination address, a bandwidth demand, a service class, or a security level.

At 514, the telecommunication device may transmit a second of the network packets using the second network connectivity.

At 516, the telecommunication device transmits others of the network packets simultaneously using the first and second network connectivities.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example process for selecting one network connectivity from a plurality of network connectivities based on network latencies associated with the network connectivities and for using the selected network connectivity to transmit a network packet. The process includes, at 602, receiving, by a telecommunication device a network packet from a telecommunication device application.

At 604, the telecommunication device determines network latencies respectively associated with network connectivities of the telecommunication device. The determining may include transmitting, at 604 a, messages to a destination associated with the network packet over networks associated with the network connectivities, receiving, at 604 b, responses to the messages, and, for each message-response pair, calculating, at 604 c, a difference between a message transmission time and a response reception time. In some embodiments, the telecommunication device may determine the network latencies once for a plurality of network packets, including the network packet, associated with a logical connection, a session, or a flow.

At 606, the telecommunication device selects one of the network connectivities based at least in part on user routing criteria and the network latencies. In some embodiments, the telecommunication device may further base the selection at least in part on connectivity metrics and attributes of the network packet.

At 608, the telecommunication device transmits the network packet using the selected network connectivity.

At 610, the telecommunication device transmits further network packets associated with the logical connection, the session, or the flow using the selected network connectivity.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example process for selecting a first network connectivity for uplink communications and selecting a second network connectivity for downlink communications. The process includes, at 702, receiving, by a telecommunication device a network packet from a telecommunication device application.

At 704, the telecommunication device selects a first network connectivity for uplink communications based at least in part on user routing criteria and connectivity metrics. The user routing criteria may include a network performance, a QoS, a cost, a power consumption at a lowest bandwidth, an available bandwidth given specific performance requirements, a packet delivering efficiency, a security level, a user preference for an operator, or a combination of criteria (such as a combination of any of the previously mentioned user routing criteria). The connectivity metrics may include a network protocol, a network availability, a network performance, a QoS, a power consumption, a network bandwidth profile, a cost, or a security level.

At 706, the telecommunication device selects a second network connectivity for downlink communications based at least in part on the user routing criteria and the connectivity metrics.

At 708, the telecommunication device transmits a network packet using the first network connectivity.

At 710, the telecommunication device receives a network packet using the second network connectivity.

CONCLUSION

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims. 

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A telecommunication device comprising: a processor; one or more wireless communication transceivers configured to communicate with a plurality of networks; and a packet routing module configured to be operated by the processor to receive a network packet from an application of the telecommunication device, the packet routing module including: a network selection module to determine network latencies respectively associated with the networks and to select one of the networks based at least in part on user routing criteria and the network latencies, and a transmission module to route the network packet for transmission to the selected one of the networks.
 22. The telecommunication device of claim 21, wherein the network selection module determines the network latencies by transmitting messages to a destination associated with the network packet over the networks, receiving responses to the messages, and, for each message-response pair, calculating a difference between a message transmission time and a response reception time.
 23. The telecommunication device of claim 21, wherein the network selection module selects the one of the networks based at least in part on the user routing criteria, the network latencies, connectivity metrics, and attributes of the network packet.
 24. The telecommunication device of claim 21, wherein the network packet is associated with a logical connection, a session, or a flow, and the network selection module determines the network latencies once for a plurality of network packets associated with the logical connection, the session, or the flow.
 25. One or more tangible computer-readable media having stored thereon a plurality of executable instructions configured to program a telecommunication device to perform operations comprising: selecting a first network connectivity for uplink communications based at least in part on user routing criteria and connectivity metrics; transmitting a network packet using the first network connectivity; selecting a second network connectivity for downlink communications based at least in part on the user routing criteria and the connectivity metrics; and receiving a network packet using the second network connectivity.
 26. The one or more tangible computer-readable media of claim 25, wherein the connectivity metrics include a network protocol, a network availability, a network performance, a quality of service (QoS), a power consumption, a network bandwidth profile, a cost, or a security level.
 27. The one or more tangible computer-readable media of claim 25, wherein the user routing criteria include a network performance, a QoS, a cost, a power consumption at a lowest bandwidth, an available bandwidth given specific performance requirements, a packet delivering efficiency, a security level, a user preference for an operator, or a combination of criteria.
 28. A method comprising: determining, by a telecommunication device, network latencies respectively associated with each of a plurality of networks; selecting, by the telecommunication device, one of the networks based at least in part on user routing criteria and the network latencies, and routing, by the telecommunication device, a network packet from an application of the telecommunication device for transmission to the selected one of the networks.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the determining comprises determining the network latencies by transmitting messages to a destination associated with the network packet over the networks, receiving responses to the messages, and, for each message-response pair, calculating a difference between a message transmission time and a response reception time.
 30. The method of claim 28, wherein the selecting the one of the networks is based at least in part on the user routing criteria, the network latencies, connectivity metrics, and attributes of the network packet.
 31. The method of claim 28, wherein the network packet is associated with a logical connection, a session, or a flow, and the determining comprises determining the network latencies once for a plurality of network packets associated with the logical connection, the session, or the flow.
 32. A method comprising: selecting, by a telecommunication device, a first network connectivity for uplink communications based at least in part on user routing criteria and connectivity metrics; transmitting, by the telecommunication device, a network packet using the first network connectivity; selecting, by the telecommunication device, a second network connectivity for downlink communications based at least in part on the user routing criteria and the connectivity metrics; and receiving, by the telecommunication device, a network packet using the second network connectivity.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the connectivity metrics include a network protocol, a network availability, a network performance, a quality of service (QoS), a power consumption, a network bandwidth profile, a cost, or a security level.
 34. The method of claim 32, wherein the user routing criteria include a network performance, a QoS, a cost, a power consumption at a lowest bandwidth, an available bandwidth given specific performance requirements, a packet delivering efficiency, a security level, a user preference for an operator, or a combination of criteria. 